Episode
Dr. Kyle Gillett: Tools for Hormone Optimization in Males
2:22:36
Published: Mon Dec 12 2022
Description
My guest is Kyle Gillett, MD, a dual board-certified physician in family medicine and obesity medicine and an expert in optimizing hormone levels to improve overall health. We discuss how to optimize male hormones using a range of nutritional and behavioral tools, exercise, and supplementation (including discussions on tongkat ali, fadogia agrestis, creatine, peptides and more). We explain how puberty and aging affect hormone levels, how to use bloodwork to monitor hormone levels, how hormone health impacts fertility, libido, hair loss, and prostate health, and describe behaviors that negatively impact testosterone levels. We also discuss how to approach prescription hormone therapies, including which biomarkers to monitor when using these approaches and how to optimize synergistic hormones (e.g., growth hormone and thyroid hormone) to support complete hormone health safely and rationally. Dr. Gillett offers numerous actionable tools that can be tailored to specific goals and age ranges to attain and maintain optimal levels of male hormones for overall health, well-being and longevity. For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors Athletic Greens: https://athleticgreens.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Thesis: https://takethesis.com/huberman Supplements from Momentous https://www.livemomentous.com/huberman Huberman Lab Premium https://hubermanlab.com/premium Timestamps (00:00:00) Dr. Kyle Gillett & Male Hormone Optimization (00:03:56) Sponsors: LMNT, Thesis, Momentous (00:07:43) Puberty: Height, Resistance Training, Childhood Obesity (00:15:14) “First” vs. “Second” Puberty (00:17:17) Hormone Optimization & Blood Work (00:22:14) Diet, Exercise, Sleep & Hormones (00:28:23) Hormones, Stress, Social Connection & Purpose (00:32:19) Hormones, Supplementation & Medication (00:34:08) Determining Individual Hormone Levels, ADAM Questionnaire (00:40:35) Libido, Masturbation, Pornography & the Dopamine “Wave Pool” (00:47:56) Sponsor: AG1 (00:49:46) Sustainable Exercise Regimen for Hormone Health (00:58:12) Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) (01:01:02) Supplementation: Creatine & Hair Loss, Betaine, L-Carnitine & Allicin (Garlic) (01:11:45) Vitamin D, Boron; SHBG & Free Testosterone (01:15:34) Sponsor: InsideTracker (01:16:39) Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia; Longjack) & Steroid Pathways (01:22:09) Fadogia Agrestis & Testosterone (01:26:32) Optimize Growth Hormone & IGF-1: Diet, Fasting, Supplements & Exercise (01:31:52) Optimize Thyroid Hormone: Iodine & Goitrogens (01:33:56) Peptides: Growth Hormone, Tesamorelin, Ibutamoren & Gut Microbiome (01:42:06) Testosterone Therapy (01:47:03) Prescriptions & Hormones: Human Choriogonadotropin (HCG), Clomiphene (01:52:56) Testosterone Therapy + HCG, Fertility & Temperature (01:55:30) Hormone Health Q&A: Marijuana, Nicotine, Cycling, Pelvic Floor, Alcohol, Fat (02:06:08) Prostate Health & Tadalafil, Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) (02:09:56) Hair Loss & DHT; Turmeric & Curcuminoids (02:18:13) BPAs, Phthalates & Hormone Health (02:21:55) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Social Media, Momentous, Neural Network Newsletter Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac Disclaimer
Chapters
Dr. Kyle Gillette, a dual board certified physician in family medicine and obesity medicine, shares his expertise in male hormone optimization.
00:00 - 01:32 (01:32)
Summary
Dr. Kyle Gillette, a dual board certified physician in family medicine and obesity medicine, shares his expertise in male hormone optimization. He provides specific recommendations for behavioral tools, nutrition-based tools, supplement-based tools, prescription drug-based tools, and their interactions in determining overall levels of testosterone and other hormones that impact mood, libido, wellbeing, strength, cognition, and various psychological factors.
EpisodeDr. Kyle Gillett: Tools for Hormone Optimization in Males
PodcastHuberman Lab
The podcast discusses whether or not hormone optimization should be pursued continuously or cycled off, and provides tips on how to maintain healthy hormone levels.
01:32 - 07:40 (06:08)
Summary
The podcast discusses whether or not hormone optimization should be pursued continuously or cycled off, and provides tips on how to maintain healthy hormone levels.
EpisodeDr. Kyle Gillett: Tools for Hormone Optimization in Males
PodcastHuberman Lab
This podcast discusses how the timing of puberty affects male growth and the types of resistance training that are appropriate, including why young males should avoid dirty bulking.
07:40 - 17:37 (09:56)
Summary
This podcast discusses how the timing of puberty affects male growth and the types of resistance training that are appropriate, including why young males should avoid dirty bulking.
EpisodeDr. Kyle Gillett: Tools for Hormone Optimization in Males
PodcastHuberman Lab
The importance of blood work in maintaining good health and understanding our bodies, how it can be used to track our health throughout our life, and when it is recommended to get your blood work done for the first time.
17:37 - 26:52 (09:15)
Summary
The importance of blood work in maintaining good health and understanding our bodies, how it can be used to track our health throughout our life, and when it is recommended to get your blood work done for the first time.
EpisodeDr. Kyle Gillett: Tools for Hormone Optimization in Males
PodcastHuberman Lab
This podcast discusses the idea of finding one's purpose and how it can change over time.
26:52 - 33:54 (07:01)
Summary
This podcast discusses the idea of finding one's purpose and how it can change over time. Additionally, the benefits of losing weight through healthy caloric restriction and exercise for testosterone production in the long run is explored for anyone from puberty onward.
EpisodeDr. Kyle Gillett: Tools for Hormone Optimization in Males
PodcastHuberman Lab
In this podcast, experts discuss how to identify sexual challenges in male hormone optimization, including key indicators and red flags that could indicate the need for hormone optimization or other interventions.
33:54 - 39:29 (05:35)
Summary
In this podcast, experts discuss how to identify sexual challenges in male hormone optimization, including key indicators and red flags that could indicate the need for hormone optimization or other interventions.
EpisodeDr. Kyle Gillett: Tools for Hormone Optimization in Males
PodcastHuberman Lab
Intense sexual experiences that involve a lot of visual and auditory input can deplete dopamine, leading to a decrease in libido afterwards.
39:29 - 47:35 (08:06)
Summary
Intense sexual experiences that involve a lot of visual and auditory input can deplete dopamine, leading to a decrease in libido afterwards. This can be especially true for experiences involving pornography or masturbation, as well as high-adrenaline activities like parkour.
EpisodeDr. Kyle Gillett: Tools for Hormone Optimization in Males
PodcastHuberman Lab
The speaker emphasizes the importance of an hour a day of exercise as a good program that most people can follow.
47:35 - 57:48 (10:12)
Summary
The speaker emphasizes the importance of an hour a day of exercise as a good program that most people can follow. Although quick results nutrition tactics and intense workouts may cause cosmetic changes, they may undermine the overall goal of optimizing hormones.
EpisodeDr. Kyle Gillett: Tools for Hormone Optimization in Males
PodcastHuberman Lab
The podcast discusses the risks associated with taking exogenous testosterone, including negative effects on fertility, increased dihydrotestosterone levels, and male pattern baldness.
57:48 - 1:05:25 (07:37)
Summary
The podcast discusses the risks associated with taking exogenous testosterone, including negative effects on fertility, increased dihydrotestosterone levels, and male pattern baldness. It also explores alternative ways to optimize testosterone and estrogen without suppressing endogenous production.
EpisodeDr. Kyle Gillett: Tools for Hormone Optimization in Males
PodcastHuberman Lab
The podcast discusses the impact of garlic and berberine on TMAO, and how optimizing gut microbiome can decrease conversion.
1:05:25 - 1:10:56 (05:30)
Summary
The podcast discusses the impact of garlic and berberine on TMAO, and how optimizing gut microbiome can decrease conversion. It also explores how beta-ene can help creatine non-responders and the recommended dosage for it.
EpisodeDr. Kyle Gillett: Tools for Hormone Optimization in Males
PodcastHuberman Lab
The sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) is attaching to the testosterone molecule and limiting the amount of free testosterone that is available to have its impact on cells.
1:10:57 - 1:15:11 (04:14)
Summary
The sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) is attaching to the testosterone molecule and limiting the amount of free testosterone that is available to have its impact on cells. Even if one's testosterone does not change, an increase in SHBG can result in more testosterone binding and increased estrogen levels.
EpisodeDr. Kyle Gillett: Tools for Hormone Optimization in Males
PodcastHuberman Lab
The use of testosterone can lead to high thyroid hormones and a decrease in thyroxine binding globulin, ultimately leading to an increase in free testosterone and luteinizing hormone in some individuals.
1:15:11 - 1:23:10 (07:59)
Summary
The use of testosterone can lead to high thyroid hormones and a decrease in thyroxine binding globulin, ultimately leading to an increase in free testosterone and luteinizing hormone in some individuals.
EpisodeDr. Kyle Gillett: Tools for Hormone Optimization in Males
PodcastHuberman Lab
This podcast episode discusses the different supplements that can help boost growth hormone levels and tissue repair, including amino acids and specific dosage regimens.
1:23:11 - 1:28:47 (05:35)
Summary
This podcast episode discusses the different supplements that can help boost growth hormone levels and tissue repair, including amino acids and specific dosage regimens.
EpisodeDr. Kyle Gillett: Tools for Hormone Optimization in Males
PodcastHuberman Lab
The release of growth hormone, specifically IGF-1, due to fasting and weight training is not a concern for insulin resistance as it is related to the training itself.
1:28:47 - 1:34:01 (05:14)
Summary
The release of growth hormone, specifically IGF-1, due to fasting and weight training is not a concern for insulin resistance as it is related to the training itself. Although fasting can increase growth hormone levels, the downstream effects on growth hormone and IGF-1 related gene transcription activity will not be significantly higher.
EpisodeDr. Kyle Gillett: Tools for Hormone Optimization in Males
PodcastHuberman Lab
The use of synthetic growth hormone and peptides can have benefits in terms of growth hormone and IGF-1 increase, but may also carry risks and side effects.
1:34:01 - 1:42:10 (08:08)
Summary
The use of synthetic growth hormone and peptides can have benefits in terms of growth hormone and IGF-1 increase, but may also carry risks and side effects. Some peptides like BPC-157 help in tissue healing and recovery, while ghrelin agonists stimulate growth hormone release, but caution should be taken.
EpisodeDr. Kyle Gillett: Tools for Hormone Optimization in Males
PodcastHuberman Lab
Clomid, a medication containing clomophene, is a popular choice for men looking to optimize their hormone levels as it can increase testosterone and other hormones without requiring exogenous testosterone.
1:42:10 - 1:53:35 (11:25)
Summary
Clomid, a medication containing clomophene, is a popular choice for men looking to optimize their hormone levels as it can increase testosterone and other hormones without requiring exogenous testosterone. This option is especially beneficial for men who want to maintain their fertility.
EpisodeDr. Kyle Gillett: Tools for Hormone Optimization in Males
PodcastHuberman Lab
Prolonged sitting, driving or standing can decrease sperm count due to an increase in temperature, while long term nicotine use can have a dose dependent effect on hormone profiles.
1:53:35 - 1:58:49 (05:14)
Summary
Prolonged sitting, driving or standing can decrease sperm count due to an increase in temperature, while long term nicotine use can have a dose dependent effect on hormone profiles.
EpisodeDr. Kyle Gillett: Tools for Hormone Optimization in Males
PodcastHuberman Lab
Over-contraction of the pelvic floor muscles can limit blood flow to the pelvic area, and those with inguinal hernias may need to specifically target their pelvic floor muscles.
1:58:49 - 2:09:06 (10:16)
Summary
Over-contraction of the pelvic floor muscles can limit blood flow to the pelvic area, and those with inguinal hernias may need to specifically target their pelvic floor muscles. In combination with weight training, casual exercise such as walking and stretching help to stimulate positive hormonal and muscular growth and return blood flow to the pelvic area.
EpisodeDr. Kyle Gillett: Tools for Hormone Optimization in Males
PodcastHuberman Lab
This podcast episode discusses the role of DHT in hair loss and its optimization, as well as the use of topical DHT receptor antagonists to maintain or grow more hair with fewer side effects.
2:09:06 - 2:18:47 (09:40)
Summary
This podcast episode discusses the role of DHT in hair loss and its optimization, as well as the use of topical DHT receptor antagonists to maintain or grow more hair with fewer side effects. The episode also delves into the use of turmeric and black pepper fruit extract for five alpha reductase inhibition.
EpisodeDr. Kyle Gillett: Tools for Hormone Optimization in Males
PodcastHuberman Lab
Learn about the Huberman Lab podcast newsletter and its free toolkits covering topics such as sleep, fitness, and deliberate cold exposure.
2:18:47 - 2:24:32 (05:44)
Summary
Learn about the Huberman Lab podcast newsletter and its free toolkits covering topics such as sleep, fitness, and deliberate cold exposure. Check out previous newsletters and feel free to leave comments with questions or guest suggestions on their YouTube channel.